Crime & Justice

Long Beach man charged with stealing from unclaimed bags at LAX

Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed charges against a 23-year-old man suspected of stealing from luggage at LAX.

Ryan Green, of Long Beach, attempted to steal items from unclaimed bags from carousels in the baggage claim area after he had flown from San Jose on Sunday. He was in the airport "legitimately," Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick Gannon told KPCC. Police apprehended him as he tried to exit the airport.

Investigators had been monitoring the terminals in response to an increase in baggage thefts. Gannon said they believe Green is also responsible for previous baggage thefts at the airport.

"The week prior we had found three bags in different parts of the airport in the parking structures and in a restroom that appear to have been rummaged through and left," Gannon said. "Anytime a bag is left anywhere at an airport, that's a big deal."

Green had stolen electronics, sunglasses, perfume. All of the items that were recovered have been reunited with owners.

He has prior arrests for property-related crimes and faces five charges of commercial burglary for this case, Gannon said.